Childminder in Bradford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 302183 Inspection date 08 July 2005 Inspector Melissa Louise Patel

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her husband and one child aged eight. She has been registered as a childminder since 1997. They live in a semi-detached house in Bradford. The childminder currently cares for ten minded children. Local amenities such as shops, schools and a park are all within a mile radius. The areas of the house used for childminding are the whole of the ground floor and the third bedroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family have pet fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder attends parent and toddler groups on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Bradford childminding network. She is also in an Endorsed Quality Assurance Scheme, Children Come First.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy an excellent range of activities which contributes to their good health. Each day there is a very good range of outdoor activities to help develop control of their bodies. For example, there are runabout tricycles, a slide, a range of different size balls, hoops, beanbags and sand play. There is also other equipment used regularly for children to explore and use their imagination. For example, there is a tunnel and a tent. Children also experience regular outings such as walks and to local parks. The childminder has an excellent knowledge of the differing needs of children. For example, younger children receive the help and encouragement needed when climbing outdoor steps, using a toy runabout car outdoors or learning to walk. Therefore, children are supported and are learning to be very confident about using their bodies. They are also learning independence very well when trying out the

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Helping children to be healthy

activities provided. Children's care is significantly enhanced by the childminder's commitment to ensure children are very well nourished. For example, the childminder works closely with parents on dietary needs and actively supports parents to ensure children receive and maintain a healthy diet. She ensures children receive a very healthy range of food every day which includes fresh fruit and vegetables. For example, the children help plant strawberries and potatoes and taste the strawberries. Children receive a very healthy snack of fresh cucumber cut from the indoor plant, supplemented with raisins and apple. They make their own choices of what they would like for snack and also receive a good range of homemade meals such as risotto and spaghetti bolognese. Children easily access drinking water diluted with fresh juice and milk on a regular basis. Children are learning very well from excellent hygiene procedures. Hand washing is

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Helping children to be healthy

encouraged before meals and after playing outside. Children are learning well about personal hygiene through accessing individual labelled towels in a bright child orientated bathroom. Children also learn well about safety in the sun. For example, they are actively encouraged to use sun cream and wear hats.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a home which is very safe and well-organised. Children are able to access safe toys and equipment in and outdoors independently. This allows them the freedom to confidently make choices and access opportunities in a risk free

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 environment. They are learning how to keep themselves safe by being encouraged well to carry out activities safely such as negotiating small steps outdoors and using child scissors indoors. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises the toys available to make sure they are safe and appropriate for all ages and stages of development. The childminder has easy access to the required procedures for safety. However, the emergency escape plan has not been practised recently, which could present a hazard. Children are well protected and the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection and has the relevant Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are well settled and happy and the children currently cared for have been minded mostly long term. The childminder has a good understanding of the children's needs. She ensures resources are readily accessible. This means all the children are learning well and enjoying becoming independent by choosing their own activities indoors and outdoors. Children's individual care needs are also met well, such as toileting and changing wet clothes after playing in the water. Children are learning well together through good communication, singing, looking at books and about real life situations through planned and spontaneous activities, such as a topic on mini beasts, followed through with discussion and through a good range of resources and activities. Children also receive a good overall range of stimulating activities and resources to help their development. For example, there are construction toys, mark making, a

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

range of creative materials, a science box, puppets and musical toys. Children are learning to recognise colours, shapes and are learning about the world around them and how things grow.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Good behaviour is reinforced by the childminder's appropriate use of praise, such as 'well done' after using the toilet and washing hands. Children are learning boundaries. For example, they know to take off their shoes and where to put them with their coats and bags after playing outside. They are learning to say please and thank you at appropriate times. Children receive good reassurance through cuddles as needed. They are happy and relate well to the childminder. Children learn about good relationships as they see their childminder relate well with their parents, therefore, they feel well settled. The childminder has a suitable range of resources and activities to help children learn

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 and to promote a positive view of differences in our society today. For example, a range of positive images are available through books, dressing up costumes and materials. The children's consistency of care is promoted very well as the childminder works in partnership with the parents. She provides written and verbal information regarding their day and routine. For example, there is a range of policies, procedures and a daily diary for younger children, usually under two, enabling children's overall welfare to be promoted.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children access a well-organised environment which is bright and stimulating indoors and outdoors. This contributes well to children's learning and daily care needs. Children are happy, relate well to the childminder and are developing self-confidence well. They are able to move around freely and access their own choice of good quality play materials and resources and are developing their individual skills well. The childminder makes effective use of documents which are supplemented by the inclusion of some policies and procedures relevant to the setting. She is committed to attend and up-date training, which includes Introducing Child Care Practice, Developing Child Care Practice and first aid. This helps to promote the care and learning of children and keeps parents well informed about daily routines. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection, the childminder has extended her resources and activities that promote equality of opportunity by including further dressing up costumes and materials which are easily accessible to children. She has also increased her use of books, by purchasing more of her own and using the local library.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • practise the fire evacuation plan regularly so that all children are familiar with it.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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